Police were assisting NT Health officials at Gove Airport with an incoming flight from Cairns when they noticed a man in the departure lounge who was not wearing a mask, as required under the Chief Health Officer directions.

Incident Controller, Acting Commander Sachin Sharma said the man had been provided a mask on checking in, but had declined to wear it. He was issued a second mask by police before being allowed to board his flight.

The 23-year-old man was fined $5056 for failing to comply with the CHO direction.

"It is the responsibility of the traveller to familiarise themselves and comply with the regulations for travelling," A/Commander Sharma said.

"We will continue to enforce Chief Health Officer's directions with zero tolerance approach."

The penalty for failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer Directions issued under section 56 of the Public and Environment Health Act 2011 is $5056 for an individual and $25,280 for a business.

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